Welcome to the Podiatry Arena forums, for communication between foot health professionals about podiatry and related topics.
You are currently viewing our podiatry forum as a guest which gives you limited access to view all podiatry discussions and access our other features. By joining our free global community of Podiatrists and other interested foot health care professionals you will have access to post podiatry topics (answer and ask questions), communicate privately with other members (PM), upload content, view attachments, receive a weekly email update of new discussions, earn CPD points and access many other special features. Registered users do not get displayed the advertisments in posted messages. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our global Podiatry community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
I was wondering if anyone had any evidence on whether or not the circulation boosters advertised are any good? They claim to improve circulation, reduce swelling, joint pain and numbness. The booster works by sending tiny electrical impulses through the nerve endings in the soles of the feet and to the lower leg which in turn, stimulates muscle contraction and improves circulation.
I have had many patients asking about this, and as they are priced at £200 it's alot of money if they don't do the job.
I would have thought that if they worked vascular surgeons would be the first to be recommending them to their patients? Have you ever heard of a vascular surgeon do that?
I've also had patients asking about them but always been honest and said I have no experience of them.
I've since had a couple of patients who have tried them - one in particular finds it very useful - used to get severe cramps and had tried crampeze and other products with little success. She now finds that she still gets the cramps to some degree but certainly not as bad as they once were.
As you say though they are a lot of money and I was dubious of their efficacy
Short term peripheral circ boost can be obtained pharmacologically......nicotinamide is sometimes prescribed for that, do you want long term or short term action? Anything that demonstrably achieved vasodilation is going to help isn't it? If this is achieved by electrical stimulation then why not? I think saying that if it worked then surgeons would promote it is very naive......how many orthopaedic surgeons actively promote soft tissue rehab via physio?.....plenty don't bother, does that mean its worthless?
regards Phill
After reading it i'm still not convinced, there is support for the electrical stimulation helping with reduction in swelling and blood pooling. However I feel some gentle walking by the patients in their own homes would probably do the same job? Please have a read and let me know what you think.
No dates? or publications in recognised journals? lots of blind you with science but a distinct lack of referencing ?????
Individual quotes from specialists?
I would have thought that if they worked vascular surgeons would be the first to be recommending them to their patients? Have you ever heard of a vascular surgeon do that?
The advert and website both have an endorsement by the same vascular surgeon - I am currently investigating whether that person is in fact a director of the company!! Will let you know what I find out
I am too sceptical about these circulation boosters and associated cost.
I have found one of my patients ( approx 65-70 yoa, obese) who has used it and is still using it, found it to be very useful in decreasing the frequency of her cramping and also reducing the amount of swelling. I can't quantify the change but apparently its enough for her to notice a change.
She's happy with it so i often suggest it to patients with the same traits.
I am emailing on behalf of WeightWorld.co.uk, a weight loss/healthy living specialist online. We have recently taken on the Electro Flex Circulation Booster and I would like to offer those on Podiatry Arena some more information on the product as I can see here that the Circulation Booster v3 model has received some bad press/coverage.
At WeightWorld, we do not stock the Circulation Booster v3 but the Electro Flex Circulation Booster. The item uses T.E.N.S technology (a tried and tested technology advocated by doctors all over the world) to stimulate muscle movement in the legs and promote blood circulation. As a result of an increased blood circulation, any pain/aching/swelling in the legs can be reduced, relieving much discomfort.
We have insured that our item comes fully certified to be sold in the UK (look out for the CE mark on the box of the product.)
Whilst not everyone is going to necessarily want such a product, the feedback from our customers has been that the item is very lightweight, easily portable and very effective at reducing pain from swelling in the legs and ankles. The tingling sensation in the legs can be a little uncomfortable at first, but after a couple of days our customers report an acclimatisation to the sensation.
If you have any further questions on the item, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service department on 0207 084 7596.
I am emailing on behalf of WeightWorld.co.uk, a weight loss/healthy living specialist online. We have recently taken on the Electro Flex Circulation Booster and I would like to offer those on Podiatry Arena some more information on the product as I can see here that the Circulation Booster v3 model has received some bad press/coverage.
At WeightWorld, we do not stock the Circulation Booster v3 but the Electro Flex Circulation Booster. The item uses T.E.N.S technology (a tried and tested technology advocated by doctors all over the world) to stimulate muscle movement in the legs and promote blood circulation. As a result of an increased blood circulation, any pain/aching/swelling in the legs can be reduced, relieving much discomfort.
We have insured that our item comes fully certified to be sold in the UK (look out for the CE mark on the box of the product.)
Whilst not everyone is going to necessarily want such a product, the feedback from our customers has been that the item is very lightweight, easily portable and very effective at reducing pain from swelling in the legs and ankles. The tingling sensation in the legs can be a little uncomfortable at first, but after a couple of days our customers report an acclimatisation to the sensation.
If you have any further questions on the item, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service department on 0207 084 7596.
Many thanks,
Sarah
Sarah - do you supply users with a list of cautions and contraindications?
I've not recommended it to anyone (due to the cost - although one should bear in mind that the company does have a refund-if-returned-within-3-months policy) but about 3 of my patients have bought one. They all have PVD with cold feet, cramping etc and all 3 of them have been very pleased with the reults, reporting a noted decrease in pain/cramping.
I'm still sitting on the fence but I won't dismiss it out of hand.
After many years of Chemotherapy and subsequent diabetes (Type 2) which has resulted in severe myopathy of both my feets (no ulcers or sores at this point) I had been experiencing severe discomfort in both feet. I couldn't even have the bed sheets touching my toes.
I was given a Circulation Booster product for Christmas and started using it. Within about 5 days of 3 sessions a day the pain has largely gone. While my feet are not restored the pain relief has been excellent.
I usually use the CB 2 times a day (morning & evening) for 30 minutes on 1/2 its power. I find if I don't use it for a week or so the pins and needles etc. return
HI Phil and others,
I have noted there is no contraindication with peripheral neuropathy either on the website or on the box. Having noted that -I was still going to try it on a guy with neuropathy because I still believe we have little else evidence based treatments for neuropathy .
We a machine at work that was purchased before I got here.
Yes I think the research is cruddy and anecdotal and could see little reason to recommend them but will give it a go.
Yes TENS is in use and researched but as for it improving circulation- whatever that means- still sceptical.
I recommend the circulation booster only in the case of venous disease/valvular dysfunction. It makes sense to me that increasing muscle activity will aid venouse return. I see little evidence supporting its use with arterial disease.
The Following User Says Thank You to podpup For This Useful Post:
I have been trying to do some reading on this and the best science I can come up with from one of the website is these references:
Quote:
*Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Foot/Ankle Volume during Standing, King’s College London, UK: W Man IO, Lepar GS, Morrissey MC, Cywinski JK (April 2003)
** Electrical Foot Stimulation and Implications for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease, The State University of New York, USA: Kaplan RE, Czyrny JJ, Fung TS, Unsworth JD, Hirsh J. (2002)
*** Chronic transcutaneous electrical stimulation of calf muscles improves functional capacity without inducing systemic inflammation in claudicants, University of Birmingham, UK: Anderson SI, Whatling P, Hudlicka O, Gosling P, Simms M, Brown MD (2004)
but I can't find any of them are actually published and hence subjected to peer review .... anyone aware of any research that has been actually published?
Background: Venous stasis caused by immobility is an important risk factor for deep vein thrombosis following surgery and lower limb trauma, in bed-ridden medical patients, and in high-risk long distance air travelers. A safe and convenient method for reducing venous stasis would be useful in patients while in hospital and after discharge during their rehabilitation. Subjects and
Methods: 49 healthy subjects aged 51-76 were seated for 4 hours during which they received mild electrical stimulation of the calf, or sole of the foot (plantar muscles). Popliteal and femoral venous blood flow velocities were measured via doppler ultrasound. The non-stimulated lower extremity served as the simultaneous control. Subjects completed a questionnaire regarding their acceptance and tolerance of the electrical stimulation.
Results: There was a significant increase in venous femoral and popliteal blood flow for both calf (p < 0.035, p < 0.003), and plantar muscles (p < 0.0001, p < 0.009) on the stimulated side compared to the unstimulated side. The magnitude of the effect was similar for calf and plantar muscle stimulation. Subjects did not find the experience uncomfortable, and would use an electrical stimulator if told by their physician that they were at risk for developing blood clots.
Conclusions: Mild electrical stimulation of the feet, as well as the calf, is a safe effective and convenient method for counteracting venous stasis and therefore has the potential to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism for subjects who are immobilized.
__________________ Craig Payne
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Follow me on Twitter | Run Junkie God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things - right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
The Following User Says Thank You to Craig Payne For This Useful Post:
I see that Hi Tech Health who market this product in the UK have had the Australian equivalent of the ASA ban thier advertising and rule that they can no longer say it improves circulation. Here is the link http://www.tgacrp.com.au/index.cfm?p...l aintID=1596. I guess it will only be a matter of time before the UK follows ?
I see that Hi Tech Health who market this product in the UK have had the Australian equivalent of the ASA ban thier advertising and rule that they can no longer say it improves circulation. Here is the link http://www.tgacrp.com.au/index.cfm?p...l aintID=1596. I guess it will only be a matter of time before the UK follows ?
From the TGA:
Quote:
The Panel requests High Tech Health, in accordance with subregulation 42ZCAI(1) of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990:
a) to withdraw the advertisement from further publication;
b) to withdraw any representations that Circulation Booster is able to reduce cankles, improve circulation or decrease pain;
c) not to use the representations in (b) above in any other advertisement*;
d) where the representation has been provided to other parties such as retailers or website publishers, and where there is a reasonable likelihood that the representation has been published or is intended to be published by such parties, to advise those parties that the representation(s) should be withdrawn; and
e) within 14 days of being notified of this request, to provide evidence to the Panel of its compliance, including a response in writing that they will comply with the Panel’s sanctions, and where appropriate, supporting material such as copies of instructions to advertising agents or publishers, or correspondence with retailers and other third party advertisers.
I think its very much like probiotic drinks..............if they worked the companies wouldnt have to advertise them. Not my words the words of a Consultant Gastroenterologist
__________________
If you don't enjoy Podiatry , your not doing it right!!!
I was wondering if anyone had any evidence on whether or not the circulation boosters advertised are any good? They claim to improve circulation, reduce swelling, joint pain and numbness. The booster works by sending tiny electrical impulses through the nerve endings in the soles of the feet and to the lower leg which in turn, stimulates muscle contraction and improves circulation.
I have had many patients asking about this, and as they are priced at £200 it's alot of money if they don't do the job.
Any advice appreciated.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
I've done some research on this topic of circulation booster. My mum has parkinsn's and and because of her immobilty - her feet are now blue, swollen, stiff and sore. i read the information about the circulation booster. Mr Mark White is a vascular surgeon from Guildford and has a clinic in london - you can google him. He's 100% legitimate and he promotes the circulation booster. also, on circulation booster - their is an independent clinical study by kings college london - the paper is pretty long but to paraphrase it shows that circulation booster - after 10mins use will reduce aches/pain in lower limbs and increase blood circulation. The technology is EMS- electrical muscle stimulation - there's no dark arts here - it simply stimulates the plantar muscle in the foot which causes your calf muscles to contract and release which forces blood up through the leg. I suggest you go the circulation booster website and look at the independent claims for yourself and make your own mind up. also, it can't advertise on tv without independent substaniation. if you've got 5 mins - go to circulation booster website and see for yourself - i hope this help
I suggest you go the circulation booster website and look at the independent claims for yourself and make your own mind up. also, it can't advertise on tv without independent substaniation. if you've got 5 mins - go to circulation booster website and see for yourself - i hope this help
So how do ou explain the stance of the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia (reported above) who conducted a hearing into the claims of the product and its ruling prevented them from making the claims that they did?
Hi Rachel,
I've done some research on this topic of circulation booster. My mum has parkinsn's and and because of her immobilty - her feet are now blue, swollen, stiff and sore. i read the information about the circulation booster. Mr Mark White is a vascular surgeon from Guildford and has a clinic in london - you can google him. He's 100% legitimate and he promotes the circulation booster. also, on circulation booster - their is an independent clinical study by kings college london - the paper is pretty long but to paraphrase it shows that circulation booster - after 10mins use will reduce aches/pain in lower limbs and increase blood circulation. The technology is EMS- electrical muscle stimulation - there's no dark arts here - it simply stimulates the plantar muscle in the foot which causes your calf muscles to contract and release which forces blood up through the leg. I suggest you go the circulation booster website and look at the independent claims for yourself and make your own mind up. also, it can't advertise on tv without independent substaniation. if you've got 5 mins - go to circulation booster website and see for yourself - i hope this help
I really do wonder what your real name is 007 and what your job title with Hi Tech Health is ???
I have fresh informaion on this. I understand that the ASA in the UK will be making a ruling this comming week on whether Hi Tech Health are allowed to continue to sell the product on TV.
I really do wonder what your real name is 007 and what your job title with Hi Tech Health is ???
Just asking
I'm advocating assessing the evidence for yourself, then make an informed opinion. It's helped my mother - that's my case - full stop...
I can't vouch for anyone else but in this kind of situation when the doctor won't help anymore because she's now in her seventies and her lack of mobility means that she now sits in front on the tv for hours without any movement at all. Her current medication for fluid retention does not alleviate the symptoms. This device does - that's it... I'm sure in years to come it will be prescribed on the NHS - same way tens is.. we need to find non drug answers if possible
anyone who is thinking of purchasing any medical device should do their homework thoroughly - that would be my advice. In the case of parkinsons which my mother has - her physio therapy has also helped - a think a combination of activities is the best - and a positive spirit because it's not only devasting for the person but the family around them too..
I hope this helps
The Following User Says Thank You to james bond For This Useful Post:
Circulation boosters, good or bad?
Re: Circulation boosters, good or bad?
anyone who is thinking of purchasing any medical device should do their homework thoroughly - that would be my advice. In the case of parkinsons which my mother has - her physio therapy has also helped - a think a combination of activities is the best - and a positive spirit because it's not only devasting for the person but the family around them too..
Linear Mode
